LPU Violence: Kashmiri Student Farhat Dev Rejects Allegations, Says Chaos Began Before His Arrival

Farhat Dev, a first-year BBA student at Lovely Professional University (LPU), has come under scrutiny as the university investigates the violence and vandalism that erupted on its campus. Dev, who hails from Kishtwar in Jammu and Kashmir, is also known on social media for his poetry and rap content.
Fellow students have accused Dev of playing a role in the escalation of the protests and of being present when the Directorate of Student Welfare (DSW) office and the trophy area were allegedly vandalised. The allegations surfaced in a social media video posted by another student and are now part of the ongoing inquiry.
Speaking to NDTV, Dev denied being responsible for the violence and said he was not guilty. He claimed that he himself had been attacked and said he was not responsible for the attack.
Dev acknowledged that he was present at the location but maintained that the situation had already become chaotic before he arrived. He said some people had moved away from the main protest and were allegedly vandalising and looting the Uni Mall, adding that he and others had asked them to stop.
Dev Admits Some Damage, Denies Breaking Trophies
Addressing allegations that he damaged trophies at the university, Dev denied breaking them. However, he acknowledged damaging the TongueStyle area and a statue, saying he had kept the trophies aside rather than damaging them.
Dev also said that he later realised his actions were wrong and attributed them to being influenced by the situation at the time.
Asked about reports that police were looking for him, Dev said that no one had contacted him and described such reports as rumours.
The student also alleged that he was attacked the previous night. He told NDTV that he had CCTV footage and knew the identities of those who allegedly attacked him. Dev further alleged that he sustained an injury during his interaction with police.
‘Why Am I Only Being Targeted?’
Dev said he felt isolated following the allegations and the backlash on social media. He claimed that the university community and some of his friends had turned against him.
Questioning the focus on his alleged role, Dev asked why he was being singled out when, according to him, other people had also vandalised the university and caused damage.
He also said the controversy surrounding the unverified sexual-assault claim that triggered the protests had become linked to him.
University Probes Role of Students
According to reports, a student identified as Ramya Mishra alleged in a social media video that Dev was among the first students to enter the DSW office when the protests intensified. The video also alleged that another student was invited inside before CCTV cameras were damaged. These claims have not been independently established and are being examined as part of the university's inquiry.
LPU has launched a disciplinary investigation into students suspected of involvement in the campus violence. Around 30 to 40 students are reportedly under scrutiny, while investigators are examining CCTV footage and other evidence to identify those allegedly involved in vandalism, arson and other acts of violence.
Protests Followed Unverified Sexual-Assault Claims
The unrest at LPU followed the circulation of unverified social media claims concerning the alleged sexual assault of a female student. The protests subsequently escalated into vandalism, arson and clashes. Police registered a case and formed a Special Investigation Team to investigate the allegations that triggered the unrest.
The wider circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation. University officials and police have said their inquiries and reviews of CCTV footage had not found evidence substantiating the sexual-assault allegation, while the matter has also prompted legal proceedings seeking an independent probe.
LPU Suspends Classes for 10 Days
Following the violence, LPU suspended regular classes for 10 days from September 28 and postponed mid-term examinations. Security was tightened on the campus, while many students left for their homes.
The role of individual students, including Farhat Dev, remains subject to the ongoing investigation. The allegations against Dev have not been independently established, and the inquiry is expected to examine CCTV footage and other available evidence before determining individual responsibility.